Anticipation is building for this year’s conference! It will offer an exciting line-up of presentations, workshops, and a field trip. This year, the conference will be immediately preceded by the annual conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee (AAVAC). We anticipate that many members will want to attend both conferences.

Wildlife Society of the NZVA Conference

1-3 December, Rydges Auckland

Come for the birds, stay for the wildlife!

The Wildlife Society of the New Zealand Veterinary Association annual conference will follow the Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee conference. Our conference brings together the diverse groups who work with wildlife in the clinic and outdoors through talks, an island field trip and workshops. It will inspire, enthuse and equip veterinarians to work confidently with wildlife of all types, and provide life-long connections for support and enjoyment in this dynamic sphere.

There will be fantastic talks from local wildlife experts, wildlife veterinarians, conservationists and ecologists. The workshops will be on Reptile Medicine and Husbandry, and Veterinary Care of New Zealand Penguins, and the field trip will be to Rotoroa Island in the Hauraki Gulf.

This year, the conference will immediately follow the annual conference of the Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee (AAVAC) which will be held from Tuesday 28 November to Thursday 30 November 2017. We anticipate that many members will want to attend both conferences.

Hotel bookings can be made directly with Rydges Auckland – a block of conference rooms has been set aside for NZVA WSC and AAVAC conference attendees.

We are now calling for abstracts. Please fill in this form and send it in to us with the supporting information by 30 September.

Welcome Function

Thursday 30th November, 6pm - Pre-function area, Rydges Auckland.

Join us for drinks and nibbles as we welcome you to our NZVA Wildlife Society conference. We have also invited the AAVAC conference delegates to this evening’s function so that both groups have the opportunity to mingle. There will also be access to the trade tables during this time.

$20 registration fee

Rotoroa Island Day

Saturday 2nd December, all day

Our second day of the Wildlife Society conference will be held on Rotoroa Island, which is in the Hauraki Gulf and is just over 1 hour from downtown Auckland by ferry. We will have conference lectures in the morning, and guided tours in the afternoon.

Closed to the public for nearly 100 years, Rotoroa was once a place of sanctuary for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. Today Rotoroa Island Trust, in partnership with Auckland Zoo, are seeking to establish the island as a predator-free sanctuary for wildlife and a venue for hands-on environmental education. A number of native species have already been released onto the island, including takahē, tieke (saddleback), popokotea (whitehead), kiwi, pateke (brown teal), and shore and moko skinks. The aim of the project is to demonstrate the practice of conservation itself, by sharing and demonstrating the wildlife management techniques and tools used by conservationists.

Conference registration for Saturday includes catering, return transportation to the island, and a guided tour. The Downtown ferry terminal (Pier 3) is an 8-10 minute walk from Rydges Auckland. However please tick the box if you require vehicular transportation from Rydges to the ferry terminal.

Workshops

Friday 1st December, afternoon - Rydges Auckland.

Wildlife Society conference delegates will get a choice of 2 concurrent workshops:

$70 registration fee for NZVA Wildlife Society members. Other prices available for non-members.

Conference Dinner

Saturday 2nd December 7pm - Rooftop Terrace, Rydges Auckland.

Our Wildlife Society conference dinner will be held at Rydges Auckland at the spectacular Rooftop Terrace. This is a great opportunity to mix and mingle with your colleagues whilst enjoying the sights of Auckland and a delicious meal.

$65 registration fee

Rydges Parking information

Valet parking is available at Rydges Auckland for $34 for a 24 hour period.

Alternatively please see the below map for self-parking. There will likely still be road works on Albert Street, so this carpark is the best option.

For the Rotoroa field trip day (Saturday) the closest parking to the Downtown Ferry Terminal is in the Downtown Car Park (corner of Customs Street West & Albert Street). There are a variety of other car park buildings nearby also.

Student helpers

As usual there will be the opportunity for sponsorship for Massey University students to attend our annual conference.

This year we will require four (4) students for the NZVA Wildlife Society conference (1-3 December at Rydges Auckland). This opportunity is open to all current members of the Massey University Student Wildlife Conservation Club. The Wildlife Society will cover the registration fees and assist with some conference costs, usually up to $250, for successful applicants. Successful students are expected to give a short oral presentation at the conference, and provide logistical support to the conference convenors.

Additionally this year we will require two (2) Massey University veterinary students for AAVAC (Association of Avian Veterinarians Australasian Committee) annual conference which precedes the Wildlife Society conference (28-30 November at Rydges Auckland). The AAVAC will cover the registration fee for the conference. Again, the students will need to provide logistical support to the conference convenors. Information about this conference is available at http://www.aavac.com.au.

Additional students are also welcome to attend both conferences. Registration fees are discounted for student delegates.

To be considered for one or both opportunities students must submit the following to the Wildlife Society secretary at wildlife@vets.org.nz, by 31st August 2017.

-An abstract for a 10 minute oral presentation to be given at the Wildlife Society conference, if you wish to be considered for the Wildlife Society sponsorship. Please fill in our Call for Abstracts form available at the top of the website.

-A cover letter outlining your interest in wildlife and/or avian medicine and why you would like to be considered for either or both conferences.

Accommodation

Hotel rooms at Rydges Auckland are $220 (inc GST) for a superior or deluxe city view room. The rooming configuration options available are single, double or twin occupancy. Optional buffet breakfast for $26 (inc GST) per person.

Veterinary Nurses Day - Wednesday 29 November - Rydges Auckland

The vet nurse conference is a one day stream dedicated to both experienced and non-experienced veterinary nurses wanting to learn and gain more knowledge in avian medicine, anaesthesia and clinical techniques. The day will be run by two nurses from the University of Queensland Small Animal Hospital’s Avian and Exotics department who between them have 20 years experience in the industry. The conference will be an enjoyable, educational and friendly day where we will strive to ensure each delegate has a great experience, network into the industry and learn about the wonders of our avian patients.

The nurses’ day delegates are also invited to the AAVAC conference dinner, which will be held that evening at Rydges.

Vet nurses are also welcome to attend the New Zealand Veterinary Association Wildlife Society conference (1-3 December at Rydges Auckland) at a discounted rate.